Washington, July 3 (PTI): A scorching heat wave has engulfed several states along the east coast of the United States, leading to shutdowns. great american state fair Here on Friday, Independence Day celebrations across the region were canceled.
The heat index (the feeling of temperature and humidity) in Washington, D.C., is expected to reach a scorching 113 degrees Fahrenheit (45 degrees Celsius) on Friday.
Earlier Friday afternoon, Freedom 250 announced that the Great American State Fair on the National Mall would be temporarily closed until 5 p.m. due to hot weather.
“The safety and well-being of our guests, volunteers, performers, vendors and staff is our top priority,” the Trump administration-backed organization said in a statement from X.
Independence Day parades in Leesburg, Virginia, and Laurel Park and Takoma Park, Maryland, have been canceled due to hot weather.
U.S. Capitol Police say the annual Congressional Fourth Concert will take place Friday night despite hot weather.
Capitol Police said the concert will still start at 8 p.m., but due to the hot weather, public gates will open at 7 p.m.
“To ensure a safe concert, all guests are strongly encouraged to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated,” Capitol Police said in a statement. Non-glass water bottles and coolers are allowed, they said.
The concert, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, featured performers including Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson, Chicago, Kool & the Gang, as well as the National Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Army Band Pershing’s Own, the Washington Choral Arts Association and the Combined Arms Chorus.
Capitol Police banned the public from attending concert rehearsals Thursday night because of the intense heat.
The concert is usually held on Independence Day, but was moved to July 3 due to the Freedom 250 fireworks and program scheduled for Independence Day on the National Mall.
President Donald Trump will travel to South Dakota on Friday night to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore.
Trump will deliver another speech on the National Mall in Washington on Saturday night, followed by an unprecedented fireworks display.
From Boston to Norristown and Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania, plans are changing to accommodate soaring temperatures. Amtrak is canceling some trains in the Northeast due to the risk of high temperatures affecting tracks.
New York City’s heat index reached 106 degrees on Thursday, prompting Mayor Zohran Mamdani to urge New Yorkers to conserve electricity “due to increased energy demand and unexpected load challenges.”
The hot weather didn’t stop the political barbs, as Mamdani drew ridicule from Republicans when he called on New Yorkers to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (25.5 degrees Celsius) and turn off lights/electronic devices when not in use.
“This is communism at work,” said Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida.
“Socialist Democrats are coming for your AC,” said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina.
